Kidney Cancer Outcomes

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate of stage 1 (localized) kidney cancer is 93%. For stage 4, it’s 14%. But statistics don’t tell the whole story. First, kidney cancer survival rates are improving all the time thanks to new treatment options being studied at research centers, including Winship Cancer Institute. Second, kidney cancer outcomes are highly individualized and often depend on where a patient goes for care, so averages tend to be misleading.

Winship is a leader in kidney cancer treatment and research. We develop and deliver the latest, most effective kidney cancer treatments with the fewest side effects. And our surgical oncologists are some of the best in their field, routinely performing surgeries that other centers have said can’t be done. As a result, our kidney cancer outcomes — our survival rates, rates of recurrence and management of long-term side effects — are better than most other cancer centers in the U.S.

NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Winship must meet rigorous standards that prove they have state-of-the-art facilities, offer cutting-edge treatments, deliver breakthrough research and conduct lifesaving clinical trials.

Research shows survival rates are up to 25% higher when starting treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Researchers attribute these higher survival rates to surgical expertise, guideline compliance, access to clinical trials and team approaches to treatment planning, all of which are paramount at Winship.

When looking at kidney cancer outcomes, it’s also important to consider long-term treatment and rates of recurrence. While many kidney cancer patients will never have a recurrence, some will. Having kidney cancer also means you’re at increased risk for developing another type of cancer.

At Winship, we’re proud to offer some of the most long-lasting treatments and post-treatment follow-up care in the country. We’ll design your treatment plan in a way that not only provides you the best kidney cancer prognosis but also helps keep your cancer from returning.

For patients whose kidney cancer is treated with surgery, we have quality measures in place that include testing the surrounding tissue to confirm there’s no remaining cancer. And once you’ve completed treatment at Winship, we will continue to monitor your condition and follow you for at least five years to ensure that you remain cancer-free and assist you with the management of any long-term side effects of treatment.

At Winship, you will receive the most powerful and precise treatments available with the least adverse side effects. We’ll take steps to reduce common side effects of kidney cancer treatment, such as fatigue and nausea. And we will work with you on managing anxiety and other psychological and emotional aspects of kidney cancer for as long as you need us.

When it comes to kidney cancer outcomes, it’s also important to address nutrition since you’ll need to be careful about what you eat if any part of your kidneys is removed during treatment. Your Winship oncology team will include a registered dietitian, who will educate you on what foods are best and which you should avoid to maintain kidney function.